Knowing the Way

 Thomas said to him,

“Lord, we don’t know where you are going,

 so how can we know the way?”

(from John 14:1-14 )

  

As I write, it’s the celebration of Route 66’s 100th anniversary.

Founded on November 11, 1926, US 66 stretched 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica. During the 1930s Dust Bowl, it served as a key migration route and boosted local businesses. Signs and advertising from 1927 made travel easy.

Thomas's question to Jesus, “How can we know the way?” reflected his desire to better grasp Jesus’ teachings and understand how to follow them.

Just as travelers once relied on Route 66 to guide them west, we rely on spiritual guidance to navigate our own journeys—sometimes finding the path less clear as traditions change or challenges arise.

Upon reflection of my personal faith journey with Jesus, I have considered this question throughout my spiritual development and transitions between churches.

“How can we know the way?”

Initially, the solutions appear straightforward: examine the Scriptures and follow Jesus’ example in demonstrating love for God and others.

However, it becomes clear that the journey began when Thomas—and all of us—made the decision to follow Jesus.

Comprehending the Way is rooted in Jesus's promise to remain with Thomas—and all of us—when we place our trust in his word and sustain our relationship with God.

Recognizing the Way involves acting in alignment with God's intentions, motivating others to seek wisdom that transcends conventional traditions.

Route 66 ended in Santa Monica, but Knowing the Way continues eternally.

Jesus: Shepherd and Trailblazer

 "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want,."

(from Psalm 23)

Psalm 23 highlights God's comfort and care also inviting us to connect with the deeper radical claims confronting our experiences of suffering, fear, hostility, and alienation.

The rural comparation connects strongly with Christians, especially in seeing Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Pointing to God’s ongoing blessing and presence.

Awareness of Psalm 23 can hide new meaning in the Psalm.

Careful study reveals it as a journey from rest through valleys, always guided by God.

For example, there is a real “Valley of the shadow of death” known as the Wadi Qelt.

steep-sided desert valley (wadi) in the Judean Desert, extending from near Jerusalem to Jericho. Known as a "valley of the shadow of death" due to its steep, treacherous terrain, considered the setting for the Good Samaritan parable.

Travelers on the dangerous 7-mile journey from Jerusalem to Jericho could expect to be beaten and robbed.

Jesus is seen as the trailblazer of the paths of righteousness guiding us towards right relationships with both God and each other.

According to the psalm, these righteous paths don't simply connect the green pastures to the house of the Lord.

Instead, they pass through the valley of the shadow of death".

Rather than enemies, "goodness and mercy" pursue the psalmist, and "dwell" might be better interpreted as "return," suggesting ongoing pursuit of God's presence.

“Paths of righteousness” refer to living in a way that honors God and maintains relationships.

 Jesus the trailblazer guides us through the paths of righteousness, even in hardship to God’s continuing blessings